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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding ECG and the Heart
Introduction
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart. This test helps doctors evaluate the heart's rhythm, detect abnormalities, and diagnose heart conditions.
How Does an ECG Work?
The heart generates electrical impulses that regulate its rhythm. These impulses travel through the heart and allow it to beat in a coordinated manner. Electrodes placed on the skin detect these impulses and create a graphical representation, the ECG.
What Can an ECG Reveal?
ECG is used to diagnose various heart conditions, including: - Arrhythmias – abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation or tachycardia. - Heart attack (Myocardial infarction) – changes in the ECG pattern can indicate an ongoing or past heart attack. - Ischemia – insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. - Structural heart disorders – including hypertrophy (thickened heart walls) or congenital heart defects. - Electrolyte imbalances – abnormal levels of potassium or calcium affecting heart function.
ECG Waveform and Interpretation
An ECG consists of several key waves: - P wave – represents atrial contraction. - QRS complex – shows ventricular contraction. - T wave – depicts ventricular relaxation.
Doctors analyze these waveforms, intervals, and segments to detect abnormalities and guide treatment.
When Should You Get an ECG?
Your doctor may recommend an ECG if you experience symptoms such as: - Chest pain or discomfort. - Palpitations or irregular heartbeat. - Shortness of breath. - Dizziness or fainting. - High blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.
Conclusion
An ECG is a crucial, non-invasive tool in cardiology that provides valuable insights into your heart's function. Regular check-ups and early detection of heart abnormalities help in timely intervention and treatment.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Electrocardiography
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-or-ekg
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191095
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281932/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.106.180200
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10483977/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on ECG Interpretation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12269267/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Neonatal-Electrocardiogram-Guidelines-for-the-interpretation-of-the
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article-abstract/39/16/1466/2965923
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.